Mining and loading machine and method



Nov. 27, 1928. 1,693,343

E. c. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 19 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Nov. 27, 1928.

E. C. MORGAN MINING- AND LOADING'MACHI NE AND METHOD Filed July 2. 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 .ih III II Nov. 27, 1928.

I E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Nov. 27, 1928.

E. C. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 2, 1921 Nov. 27, 1928. 1,693,343

E. c. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 2. 1 21 7 sheets-sheet 5 Nov. 27, 1928.

E. C. MORGAN MINING ANDLOADING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 1921 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Nov. 27, 1928. 1,693,343

E. c. MORGAN MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD Filed July 2, 1921 7 sheets-sheet 7 'I IIII I 66a 45 kr i in alimm; 2 1J1 m El nor/um;

Patented Nov. 27, 1928.

UNITED STATES g v 1,693,343 PATENT OFFICE.

EDMUND C. MORGAN, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.; OLIVE EUGENIE MORGAN EXECUTRIX F SAID EDMUND C. MORGAN, DECEASED.

MINING AND LOADING MACHINE AND METHOD.

Application filed July 2, 1921. Serial No. 482,163.

My invention relates to mining and loading machines, and one of its objects is the provision of arc wall coal splitting mechanism, and means for operating the same, in combination with loading apparatus.

A further object of the invention is the provision of improved and efiicient mechanism for controlling the operation of coal-splitting mechanism of the type in which continuous forward powerful pressure at concentrated points is exerted on the dislodging apparatus.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a mining and loading machine on which may be mounted another mining machine of similar type so as to increase the height of the mine wall from which. the coal is dislodged. Another object of the invention is the provision of a mining and loading machine from which the loading apparatus may be detached so that the remaining mining mechanism. may be placed above a similar mining machine for cooperation. and so that the power from the motors of both mining machines may be used for driving the dislodging mechanism of either or both of the mining machines.

Other objects of the invention will appear hereinafter, the novel features and combina tions being set forth in the appended claims.

Referring to the accompanying drawings,

Figs. 1 and 2 placed end to end represent a plan view of the entire mining and loading machine embodying my improvements.

Figs. 3 and t placed end to end represent the mining and loading machine in'elevation.

Figs. 5 and 6 placed end to end represent a longitudinal central sectional elevation on the lines 5-5 of Fig. 1 and 66 of Fig. 2, respectively, except that the motor and the speedreducing mechanism are shown in elevation.

Fig. 7 is a sectional elevation on the line 7-7 of Fig. 2, looking forwardly in the direc-.

tion of the arrows Fig. 8 is a transverse sectionalelevation on the line S8 of Fig.5, looking forward in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 9 is a t 'ansverse sectional elevation on the line 99 of 5, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Fig. 10 is a sectional elevation taken on the line 101O of Fig. 9, looking in the direction of the arrows. I

Fig. 11 is a detail view of the dislodging mechanism and the hydraulic adjusting de vice for the uppermost piercing tool.

Fig. 12 is an elevational View showing an additional mining machine mounted on top of a lower mining machine,.the upper mining machine having the loading apparatus detached therefrom.

Fig. 13 is a cross-sectional elevation on the line 13-13 of F 12, looking rearwardly in the direct-ion of the arrows, to illustrate a modification of the power transmission mechanism particularly adapted to the plurality of mining machines when mounted one above another; and

Fig. 14 is an enlarged plan view of the universal joint for connecting one mining machine to the next one above.

Referring to Figs. 8 to 6 inclusive, it will be seen that themain frame comprises a forward portion 15 and a rear portion 16 rigidly connected together at 17. 17, as shown in Figs. 1 and3. When the loading apparatus is connected to the mining machine, the rear frame 16 is rigidly connected to the forward frame 15 to constitute the main frame of the mining and loading machine. When, however, the loading apparatus is to be omitted, the rear frame 16 is detachable at 17, as hereinafter described.

The forward bottom portion of the frame 15 is rounded, as indicated at 18 in Fig. 6, so as to facilitate movement of the machine over the mine floor by decreasing the friction.

The rear portion of the main frame of the mining and loading machine is provided with a lifting jack comprising a cylindrical floor shoe 19, as' shown in Figs. 3 and 5. This floor shoe fits in the circular opening in the forward portion of the frame 16, as shown in Fig. 5. Secured to the frame 16, asshown in 8. which is a'section taken on the line 8-8 of F 5, looking in the direction of the arrows, is a double bracket frame 20 provided with upper and lower spaced-apart cross pieces 21 and 22 between which is located an operating wheel 23 screwthreaded onto the scrcwthrcaded rod The latter is secured to the central portion of the cylindrical shoe 19 and extends upwardly therefrom loosely through openings in the crosspieces 21 and'QQ. Therefore, when the operating wheel 23 is turned, the cylindrical shoe 19111 t ly lift or lower the rear portion of the mining and loading machine so as to adjust the for ward path of travel in accordance with the pitch of the mine vein.

be lifted or lowered to corresponding As shown in Fig.6, a cylinder extends upwardly from the base frame 15; lVithin this cylinder is a plunger 26 to form part of a hydraulic motor for operating the roof jack comprising the roof-engaging shoe 2'? serrated on its upper surface as indicated at 28. The shoe 2? fits in a vertical slot 29 in the upper end of the plunger 26 and is pivoted at 30 to the plunger 26, so that the shoe27 may readily adapt itself to the irregularities of the roof without undue strain on the apparatus to which it is connected. In other words, by means of this arrangement, the plunger 26 can be moved upwardly freely while the shoe 27 is free to turn on a pivot 30 in the slot 29. By means of this roof jack at the forward end of the main frame, the latter may. be firmly anchored between the floor and roof of the mine chamber during the mining operation.

Mounted on the outer portion of the cylinder 25 is a sleeve 31 carrying the large spur gear 32 shown in Figs. 2 and 6. The ring 33 is shown in Fig. 6 screwthreaded to the upper outer end of the cylinder 25 to form an upper bearing for the sleeve or hub 31 when the latter is journaled on the cylinder 25 for rotation on a vertical axis extending through the center of the cylinder 25.

Meshing with the gear 32 is a pinion 34 mounted at the upper end of a shaft 35,

' which is journalledin the bearing 36 located intermediate the, ends of the crosspiece 37 shown in Fig.- 2. Reinforcing ribs are also provided at 38 and 39, as shown in Figs. 2 and 6, for rigidly connecting the bearing 36 to the main frame 15 of the mining and loading machine. The lower end of the shaft 35 is also journalled at 40 in the horizontal base plate of the main frame 15.

Intermediate the journal bearing36 and the base plate 15 is a gear 41 keyed at 42 to the vertical shaft 35. Meshing with the gear 41 is a pinion 43, which is connected to the vertical shaft 44 to rotate'with the latter. The vertical shaft 44 is journalled at its lower end at 45 in the base plate 15, and at its upper end in the cross piece 46, which is secured at its ends to the frame 15.

Mounted loosely on the shaft 44 above the pinion 43 is .a-bevel gear 4?, with which meshes a bevel pinion 48 connected to speed reducing gearing illustrated diagrammatically at 49. The latter is coupled at 50to the armature shaft of the electric motor 51.

-Extending radially from the large. forward gear 32 is a strong arm 52 curved circumferentially at its 'outerportion, as shown in Fig. 2and adapted to carry powerful coalsplitting mechanism comprising 7 spacedapart piercing points 53, 54and 5,0, as shown in Figs. 4 and 11. I prefer to h ave the piercing device 53 intermediate the floor and roof of the mine chamber extended. in advance of the floor and the roof piercing devices 54 and 55, so that an intermediate space may be provided tofacilitate the spreading of the dislodged material up and down while being acted upon by the piercing devices 54 and A series of additional splitting members 56 and 57 may also be provided to trim off such projecting portions of the coal that are not dislodged by the more forward splitting tools.

.Vhile the rear lifting ack 19 may be relied upon to regulate the movement of the floor splitting tool at or adjacent to the line of cleavage between the bottom of the coal vein and the foreign material, the uppermost splitting tool may be adjusted in elevation by means of the hydraulic motor 58 shown in Fig. 11. This motor is shown more or less diagrammatically as being controllable in a well known manner by a liquid pressure medium passing into and out of the cylinder 59 through the pipes 60 and 61. A piston 62 in the cylinder 59 is connected by means of a piston rod 63 pivotally at 64 to the rear arm of the splitting tool 55, which in turn is pivotally mounted at 65 on the strong'arm 32, as shown in Figs. 2 and 11.

The operation of the mining machine in order to dislodge the material along an arenate path from an upright mine wall may be begun when the parts are in the position shown in Fig. 2. and the machine moved forward the I desired distance in accordance with the depth of the dislodgment to be made. Upon operation of the electric motor 51, power may be transmitted through the speed-reducing gearing 49, through the pinion 48, to rotate the bevel gear 47. Pivotallyconnected at 66 to brackets extending from the casing of the speed-reducing gearing 49 is a lever67 connected to the clutch 68. When the latter is thrown in, power will be transmittedto the vertical sh at 44 and thence through the gears 43, 41, the vertical snaft 35 and tie gears 34, 32 to the arm 52, t0 move the splitting tools along an arcuate path of travel, having as its center the upright axis of the cylinder 25.

It shoud be particularly noted that the clutch 68 is so located that when released, the arm 52 may easily be restored to initial position by a pull exerted on the cable or rope 69 connected at one end at 70, to the arm 52, while its other end is connected to the drum 71, as shown in Figs 2 and 7. The drum 71 is mounted to rotate on a vertical axis. Connected to the bevel gear 47, to rotate therewith is a spur gear 72, which meshes with a smaller gear 7 3 on the vertical shaft 74, the lower end of which is ourn'alled in the frame 15 and the'upper portion of which is provided restore the arm 52 and the coal splitting devices carried thereby to their initial positions shown in Fig. 2. The rope 69 may be held taut in any suitable manner, such as a spring clip or brake shown at 76, asshown in Fig. 2. The rope 69 will then engage the peripheral edges of the teeth on the gear 32, so that when a pull rearwardly is exerted on the rope 69, the arm 52 will be returned from the position approximately 180 from that shown in Fig. 2, the restoring movement being in a clockwise direction. If desired, the rope 69 may be in the form of a flat belt so as to more surely engage the teeth of the gear 32 and remain in proper position to restore the arm 52 in a clockwise direction.

Although the motor 51 and speed-reducing gear 49 continue to operate after the clutch 68 has been released, so as to connect the source of power to the winding drum 71, the restoration of the arm 52 requires only the turning of the gears 32, 34 and L1, 43. The ratio of the gearing between the motor 51 and the gear 32 maybe, for example, 400 to 1, whereas the ratiobetween the gear 43 and the gear 32 is approximately as 16 to 1. From this it is obvious that the arm 52 may be easily and quickly restored to initial position. and in fact such restoration may be made when desired by applying manual ,power'to the arm When the splitting tools are operated arcuately across the mine wall from the position shown in Fig. 2, the tendency may be in .some instances to swerve the forward end of the main frame'in the opposite direction, and in order to prevent this, a wall jack 77 may be pivotally connected at 78 and arranged to be hydraulically operated to firmly hold the shoe 7 8 against the side wall, as shown in Fig. 2. The hydraulic jack 77 will therefore act as an abutment to prevent swerving of the forward portion of the mining and loading machine during the dislodging operation. The rear portion of the main frame may also be provided with hydraulic side wall jacks 79 and 80, as shown in Fig. 2, for firmly anchoring the shoes 81 and 82 against the side walls, as shown in Fig. 2.

. In order to move the whole machine forwardly or rearwardly, a pair of hydraulic motors-83 and 84 are arranged at the sides of the machine, as shown in Fig. 2, and connected respectively to hydraulic roof acks 85 and 86 as shown in Figs. 1, 3, 5 and 8. hen the hydraulic roof jacks 85 and 86 are in anchored positions and the wall jacks 79 and 80. as well as the forward roof jack 27, are in released positions, the motors 83 and 84 may be operated to move the entire machine forwardly or rearwardly. By operating only one hydraulic motor 83 or 84 against its corresponding roof-jack abutment, the whole machine may be swerved to one side position to rest on the floor near the base of the mine wall in position to receive the material as it is dislodged and scoop it onto the conveyor when the machine is moved forward to new locations. While one side of the conveyor frame 89 may be open, as shown at the right-hand portion of Fig. 7, it is preferred to provide the other side with an upright wall 90, to form a trough for the flights 88, as'shown at the left-half portion of Fig. 7

To the frame 16, as shown in Figs. 3 and 5, is pivoted at 91 a rear swinging conveyor 92, comprising chain-driven scraper conveyor mechanism 93, operated by a separate motor 9%, and the sprocket gearing 95 shown in Fig. 10, in elevation on line 1010 of Fig. 9, and in the latter view in cross section on the line 99 of Fig. 5. As shown in Fig. 9, this scraper type of conveyor comprises spacedapart sprockets 96 and 97 for driving spacedapart endless chains 98 and 99, between which are connected at intervals the cross-bars or scrapers 100 movable along the stationary bed or slide-way 101, between the upstanding walls 102 and 103 of the trough of the rear conveyor. By reason of the hopper 104, at the forward end of the rear conveyor the latter may be swung to various angular posi tions while delivery communication is maintained between the forward conveyor and the rear conveyor. Therefore, the rear conveyor may deliver dislodged material to mine cars on various parallel mine tracks during the operation of the dislodging mechanism.

It should be noted that the conveyor frame 89 is telescoped onto frame 15, and while the side supports 104, as shown in Fig. 4, limit the relative downward movement of the conveyor frame 89. the latter is free to move up so that the weight of the mining machine will be taken or borne mainly by the rounded portion 18, shown in Fig. 6. The strain on the conveyor mechanism will therefore be relieved when the mining machine is moved over the mine floor, and furthermore, the conveyor mechanism will be maintained ap: proximately flat on the mine floor, at its forward receiving portion. It should also be noted that the rear frame 16 is detachable at 17, as shown in Figs. 1 and 5. This enables the entire rear conveyor to be removed. Furthermore, on account of the telescopic fit of the forward conveyor frame 89 over the sides of the frame 15,,said conveyor frame 89 may .be entirely removed or detached from the mining machine so that the latter may be mounted without any conveyor apparatus is to say, the mining and loading apparatus shown in Figs. 1 and 2 may have mounted thereon a mining'machine similar to that embodied in themining and loading appa' ratus shown in F igs. 1 and 2.

By referring to Fig. 12, it will be seen that the upper mining machine frame 15 has its forward portion mounted on the shoe 2?, and its rear portion.mounted on an adjustable support 105, adapted to be lifted and lowered by a wheel 106 on a screw-threaded rod 107, pivoted at itslower end to the loer mining machine. The upper mining machine is anchored in. position by the shoe 27. Both of the naming machines 15 and 15 are provided with the dislodging mechanism such as that shown. in Fig. 11, such dislodging mechanism inca-ch machine being connected to the operating apparatus shown in Fig. 2. That is to say, each machine 15 and 15is a complete mining machine in itself, each being: provided with all the apparatus shown in Fig. 6, (2X cept that the upper mining machine has been stripped of the loading apparatus. While each of the superposed mining machines may be provided with its own forward root jack to cooperate for adjustment of the elevation of the upper mining machine at its forward end and the anchoring of both such forward ends between the floor and. root of themine chamber, the wall jacks 79 and 80, and the root jacks 85 and 86, cooperating with the motors 83 and 8% may be suficient for properly'holding the rear portions of the mining machine during operation. However, the

upper mining machine, as well as the lower mining machine may be provided with such wall jacks as those shown at 77. 79 and 80, in Fig. 2. It should also be noted that while two superposed mining machines are shown in Fig. 12, there may be more depending upon the height of the coal vein and the predetermined dimensions of the mining machines.

hen the mining ma .hines are superposed, I prefer to use the-modified structure shown in 13, wherein the vertical shafts id and 4 1 are provided with squared extensions for receiving a universal joint 1.09 sothat JOWGI may be transmitted trom'hoth motors on the two machines to either of the dislodging devices 011 said machines or to both of them. In order to accomplish this result, l have nuzidilied the arrangement of the gearing shown in Figs. 6 and 'l'. The bevel gear l? 01 Fig. 6 has been tipped upside down, as shown at and 41-7 tivelv .to the n stead of being Ural shafts -11 and ell". in

respective bevel gears l8 and 18". shown in Fig. 13. the bevel. gears 47 and 47 are continuously rotated, to continuously rotate both in Fig. 13. and lined 'respec loosely mounted thereon as shown Fig. 0. Tl1Q1O1018,\.l1(I1 the motors on the superposed mining machine operate the of the vertical shafts 1d and slat. The clutches 6S and 68 ct 13 are so arranged as to connect the gears 43 and 453 to the source of power only when said clutches are thrown in, the gears a3 and 43 being mounted loosely on the respective vertical shafts as and 14. 7

It will thus be seen that when the motors on both mining machines are operated, both the vertical-shafts i4. and l i will be rotated and the'universal joint 109 will maintain them in .synchronisin. By reason of this arrangement, the power from both motors may be applied to the dislodging mechanism of cit-her the upper or lower mining machine when unusually hard material is encountered the rope-winding drums 71 and 71", each controlled by'a friction cone clutch. Each of the hydraulic motors may be controlled hy a valve for directing the liquid pressure supply from supply pipe to the hydraulic cylinder on both sides of the pistons when the latter are to he moved by fluid pressure in both directions, and to and from beneath the pistons or plunger-s when the latterare arranged vertically as at the forward central portion of the mining machine and at and 86 at the rear portions thereof. In Fig. 2, I haveshown such a controlling valve at 111 for controlling the supply of liquid pressure from the supply-pipe 112 to either the pipe 113 or 11s. to move the shoe 82 or from the mine wall. lVhile one of the pipes 113, 114 is connected to the supply pre. i the other is connected to the exhaust port 115. In order to drive the forward conveyor. the sprocket 116 may be mounted as shown in Fig. 1, to be driven from the armature shaft of the motor 51,'as,shown in Fig. 5. At the rear end of the armature shaft 11'? is secured the pinion 118, which meshes with a gear 110 on a shatt to the rear end of whichfis connected a bevel pinion 120 in mesh with the bevel 121. The latter is secured to the vertil shaft journaled in the hearing 123 carried by the bracket 12-1, which is secured to the frame of the motor 51. T his bracket 12. also provides a bearing 125 For the shaft oi the gears 119 and 120. It will thus be seen that when the motor 51 is operated in the proper direction, the sprocket 116 may be driven to transmit power to the chain'S'T ot' the conveyor having the flights 88, to 'move spirit and scope ofmy invention as defined V by the claims hereto appended, and I wish therefore not to be restricted to the precise construction herein disclosed.

Having thus fully described and shown an embodiment of my invention, what I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is: V

1. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of liquid pressure power-operated roof jack mechanism for anchoring the forward portion of said supporting frame between the floor and roof of a mine chamber, dislodging mechanism comprising an upright series of spaced-apart coal piercing implements for receiving concentrated pressure to penetrate and strip the coal from a mine vein by arcuate movement relatively to said supporting frame and in advance thereof, and power transmission mechanism comprising speed reducing mechanism connected to a large spur gear rigidly connected to said piercing implements for operating said dislodging mechanism by feeding thesame arcuately relatively to said supporting frame while the latter is firmly anchored by said roof jack mechanism.

2. In a mining machine, the combination *ith a supporting frame, of dislodging mechanism mounted thereon for arcuate movement relatively thereto and comprising mechanism adapted to penetrate the solid coal in its native bed and by wedging action rip and tearthe coal from the mine vein, means comprising a large spur gear rigidly connected to said penetrating mechanism for operating sait dislodging mechanism, abutment mechanism for resisting rearward movement of the machine during operation of said dislodging mechanism, wall jacks for the rear side portions of said frame, and an additional .wall jack for one side of said frame near the starting position of saic dislodging mechanism.

3. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of are wall coal dislodging mechanism mounted on said frame for arcuate feeding movement relatively thereto and comprising spaced-apart piercing implements spread over an area extending from the floor to the roof of the mine chamher in position to rip and tear the coal'from connected to said dislodging mechanism to quickly restore the latter to initial position.

4. In a mining machine, the combination witha supporting frame, of a pair of spacedapart wall jacks for the rear portion of said frame, a self-acting power-operated roof jack for the forward portion of said frame, arc wall coal-splitting mechanism comprising an upright series of spaced apart piercing implements to receive concentrated pressure at said arc-wall, means for operating said coalsplitting mechanism by exerting such pressure on said piercing implements while said frame is anchored at its forward portion by said roof jack and is anchored at its rear portionby said wall jack, and rope gearing for restoring said coal-splitting mechanism to initial position in readiness for another arcwall operation.

5. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting f 'ame, of dislodging mechanism mounted on said frame for arouate feeding movement relatively thereto and comprising a plurality of spaced-apart clawlike penetrating fingers, with the spaces between the latter free and unobstructed, one at the floor, another at the roof and another approximately midway between the roof and the floor, said fingers being adapted to penetrate deeply the solid face of the coal vein and by wedging action split large pieces of coal from the unmined mass over a Wide area, and means comprising a large spur gear for operating said dislodging mechanism by moving the same arcuately relatively to said frame for exerting concentrated pressures on said fingers at the floor, at the roof and intermediate the fioor and roof to effect such dislodgment of the coal from the solid face of the mine vein.

6. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of dislodging mechanism comprising spaced-apart piercing implements adapted to receive concentrated pressures and by wedging action split the coal from an upright mine wall over a wide area extending upwardly from the floor of a mine chamber, means for supporting said dislodging mechanism for arcuate movement on an upright axis, a gear connected to said dislodging mechanism to mox e bodily therewith on said upright axis, and power-transmission means connected to said gear to drive the same and thereby effect the operation of said dislodging mechanism including arcuate feeding movement of said piercing implements relatively to said supporting frame through a wide angle.

7. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame. of arc-wall dislodging mechanism, comprising means for digging into the mine vein and splitting the material therefrom by arcuate feeding moveing a large gear connected to said dislodging mechanism to move bodily therewith for operating the latter.

llu

ment' on an upright axis, and means compris- 8, Ina mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of dislodging mech anism'comprisinga plurality of pointed penetrating wedging tools spaced-apart in an upright series and mounted on said frame for arciiate movement relatively thereto in a horizontal direction acrossthe mine wall on an upright axis, and means comprising a spur gear rig dly connected to said wedging tools for feeding the latter arcuately relatively to said frame on said-upright axis to effect the splitting of large pieces of coal from the unmmed mass over a wide area of the workin g face.

9. In a mining machine, the combination vein and rip and tear coal therefrom over an extended area, means for operating said dislodging mechanism including feeding move-- ment thereof by moving said supplemental fra'merelatively to said main frame, said operating means comprising speed reduction gearing connected -to said supplemental frame, a clutch associated with the comparatively low speed gearing to permit rapid restoration of said dislodging mechanism when said clutch is released, and ropewind-,

ing mechanism comprising a ropehaving its free end connected to said supplemental frame'to pull the same back to initial position after'said clutch is released.

10 In a mining machine, the combination ,with a main frame, of a supplemental frame movement to said supplemental frame and,

' the dislodging mechanism mounted thereon and easy movement of the toeffect dislodgen ient of coal from a mine vein, a clutch for disconnecting the source of power to said supplemental rrame and associated with that portion of the speed reduction gearing having a comparatively low ratie to said supplemental frame to permit free atter when effecting rapid restoration of said dislodging mechanism to initial position, and means connected directly'to said supplemental frame to move the same back to initial position when said clutch is released.

11. In aii'iinin'g machine, the combination with a main fra ne, ofasupplemental frame mounted on said main frame for, arcuate movement relatively thereto, dislodging mechanism carried by said supplemental frame and comprisin an upright series of spaced-apartdigging and wedging claws adapted to penetrate the solid coal in its native bed along the working face, power transmission mechanism comprising a train of reduction gearing between a source of power and said supplemental frame to exert a slow and powerful feeding movement to said dislodging mechanism to cause said claws to enter the solid coal of the i ine vein and by wedging action rip and tear the coal from said working face over a comparatively wide area, a clutch in said train where the ratio between the same and said supplemental frame is comparatively low to permit rapid l'trqilOltlflOll of said dislodging mechanism, and means for restoring said dislodging mechanism 'whensaid clutch is released.

In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a hydraulicroof jack mount-ed on the forward end. ofsaid main frame and comprising an upright cylinder, asupplemental frame mounted on said cylinder for arcuate movement on the upright axis th reof, an upright series of spacedapart piercing implements for receiving concentrated pressure to dig into and strip coal from a mine vein along paths extending in general horizontal directions, self-acting and slow but very powerful transmission gearing connected to said supplemental frame to move the same non-intermittently to exert great pressure on said piercing implements to force the same continuously forward along such paths to dislodge the material from a mine vein while being held for feeding movement along predetermined paths by said roof jack, and means for controlling. said transmission gearing.

13.,ln a mining machine, the combination with a, main frame, of means for anchoring said main frame in stationary position, dislodging D'lGCllZHllSIH comprising a multiple claw having a plurality of spaced-apart fingers n'iounted on said frame for arcuate movement reltively thereto, a motor on said main frame, and a train ofgearing between said motor and said claw with a large spur gear rigidly connected to said claw for greatly reducing the speed of transn'iis ion between said motor and said claw but exerting a Very powerful feeding movement to said claw along arcuate paths of travel while said main frame remains securely anchored in stationary position. 7

M. In mining machine, the combination witha main frame, of a hy lrauhc roof jack for the forward portion of said main frame,

cuate feeding movement on the upright axis of said roof jack, a gear onsaid supplemental lot:

lllF,

of said piercing toolswhile said hydraulic roof jack very securely anchors said main frame in stationary position. i

15. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of means for holding said mainframe stationary, a supplemental frame mounted on said main frame for feeding movement relativelv thereto dislod 'in .1 7 D O mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame and held stationary relative thereto to move bodily therewith, said dislodging mechanism comprising a penetrating claw adaptedv to dig into the solid coal at the working face of a mine vein and rip and tear the coal from the unmined mass over a substantlal area above and below the path of such claw, a

powerful motor to serve as a source of power comprising a spur gear integral with said claw for transmitting power from said motor to said supplemental frame to effect feeding movement of said dislodging mech nism when said main frame is being he] d1 stationary.

16. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a hydraulic roof jack very powerfully anch Ling said main 'rame to hold the same stationary, a supplemental frame mounted on said main frame for feeding movement relatively thereto, dislodging mechanism rigidly connected to said supplemental frame to move as a unit therewith and comprising widely spaced piercing implements for penetrating the coal in its native bed and by wedging action rip and tea-r the coal from the face of the mine vein,

the spaces between the said implements while rigidly connectedto said supplemental frame greater than the active penetrating len t- 153 of said in'iplements to permit free expansion of tee coal into such spaces and the dislodgment of large pieces of coal, and

mechanism comprising spur gearing for exng a very powerful feeding movement to said supplemental frame to effect the operation of said dislodging mechanism while said hydraulic roof jack securely holds the main frame in stationary position.

17. In a miningmachine, the combination with a main frame, of a hydraulic roof jack for anchoring the same in stationary position, a supplemental frame mounted on said main rame for feeding movement relatively thereto. a spur gear integral with said supplemental frame,-dislodging mechanism rigidly connected to said spur gear for bodily movement as a unit and comprising spread-apart cla.w

like penetrating fingers adapted to penetrate the coal in its native bed and rip and tear the same from the face of the mine vein, the spaces between said fingers being greater than the active penetrating lengths of said fingers to afford ample spaces for expansion of large pieces of coal from the unmined mass, and

nism mounted on said supplemental frame and held stationary relative thereto to move bodily therewith, said dislodging mechanism comprising a plurality of claw-like penetrating fingers spread-apart with the space between each finger and the next adjacent one greater than the active penetrating lengths of the fingers to adapt said fingers to penetrate deeply the solid coal face and by wedging action rip and tear the coal from the unmined mass over a substantial area extending along the spaces between said fingers, and means connected between said main and supplemental frames and comprising a large. spur gear rigid with said supplemental frame for exerting a very powerful feeding movement tosaid supplemental frame to effect the operation of said dislodging mechanism While said main frame is being held stationary.

'19. The combination with a plurality of superposed mining machines each comprising a motor and dislodging mechanism, of a connection between said mining machines, and means for controlling said mining machines to connect the motors thereof to any one or more of the dislodging mechanisms.

20. The. combination with two superposed mining machines, each comprising a motor, power-transmission gearing and dislodging mechanism, a connection between the power transmission gearings, and means associated with the latter for connecting both motors with either dislodging mechanism or both dislodging mechanisms at will.

21. The combination with a plurality of su perposed mining machines, each comprising a vertical shaft extending out from the mining machine frame, a universal joint coupling driving shaft of the next mining machineso that bot-h the said driving shafts will be driven by both motors simultaneously of next adja cent mining machines, and a plurality of clutches one associated with each driving shaft on each mining machine to independently connect thedislodging mechanisn'i of the latter to the driving shaft so that all of the motors on the various mining machines may be connected to any one of the dislodging mechanisms. v

23. The combination with superposed mining machines, each comprising a motor connected to an upright driving shaft, and each comprising power-transmission gearing connected to dislodging mechanism extending forwardly in advance of the mining machine for operation at a predetermined elevation,-

coupling mechanism between the upright shafts to effect their rotation in unison when said motors are operated, and individual clutches associated with said shafts to secure the connection of any one or more of said dislodging mechanisms to all of said motors.

24. in amining and loading machine, the combination with a mining machine comprising a supporting frame adapted to move over a mine floor, of means for o aerating said mining machine, a conveyor extending along the sides and around the forward end of said supportingfran'ie and having up and down movements relatively thereto at the sides of said supportingframe as well as at the forward end thereof to pern'iitsaid conveyor to rest on the mine floor independently of said support ing frame and adapt itself to irregularities of such floor, and means for operating said conveyor to transfer toward loading position material; dislodged by said mining machine.

25. In mining and loadin apparatus, the combination with a mining machine comprising supporting frame, of a conveyor telescoped over the sides and'forward end of said supporting frame and having freedom of up with as a unit, means comprising a spur gear integral with said tools for swinging said supplemental frame to feed said tool's arcuately along an upright mine wall, and loading apparatus comprising a conveyor having an arcuate receiving portion conforming approximately to the arcuate path oftravel of said tools so as to be in position to receive the material dislod ed by the latter.

27. In a mining and loading machine, the combination with a. main frame, of means for holding the same stationary, a supplemental rame mounted on said main frame for swinging feeding movement relatively thereto, disloding mechanism rigidly'connected to said supplemental frameto movetherewith in position to penetrate the solid upright coal face and by wedging action split large pieces of coa from the mine vein, means comprising a spur gear rigid with said supplemental frame for opening and loading app aratus comprising a traveling V conveyorextending along anareuate path at the front end of saidframeto conform to the arcuate path of said dislodging mechanism and be in position to receive the dislodged coal and transfer the same toward leading position.

28. In mining and loading apparatus, the combinat-ion'with a main frame, of a hydraulic roof jack for the forward portion thereof, a supplemental frame mounted on said main frame for arcuate feeding movement relatively thereto, a series of spacedapartpiercing tools rigidly connected to said supplemental frame to move bodily therewith, means comprising a spur gear rigidly connected to said supplemental frame for exerting a powerful continuous forward arcuate feeding movement to said piercing tools by arcuatelymoving said supplemental frame relatively to said mainframe, and loading apparatus comprising a conveyor having a receiving portion adjacent the dislodging path I of travel of said piercing tools.

29. In mining and loading apparatus, the combination with a mining machine compris ing a supporting frame, of loading apparatus surrounding said frame, and means for detachably securing said loading apparatus to said frame to permit the removal of said loading apparatus and the use of said mining machine as a separate unit for superposition on a similar mining machine.

30. In mining and loading apparatus, the combination with a mining machine, comprising a supporting frame, of loading apparatus associated with said supporting frame in position to receive material dislodged by said mining machine, and an additional like mining machine superposed on said first-named mining machine and connected to the same for cooperation therewith to dislodge material from a higher vein but to be received by the same loading apparatus aforesaid.

V 31. In a mining machine,the combination with a supporting-frame, of roof jack mechanism for anchoring the same, wall abutment mechanism-for the rear portion of said f 'aime, arc-wall coal-stripping mechanism comprising widely spread-apart, claw-l ike penetrating said dislodging mechanism,

fingers grouped in an upright series in position to ripand tear the coal in large pieces from the solid upright coal face of the mine vein means comrisin a s ur ear ri idly 7 D D b connected to said fingers for operating said coal-stripping mechanism by feeling said fingers arcuately, and additional wall abutment mechanism located adjacent the starting position of said operating means.

32. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a. lateral abutment for said frame, a roof jack for the forward portion of said frame, arc-wall dislodging mechanism comprising a. plurality of claw fingers for penetrating the solid coal and stripping the same from the mine vein, and means for operating said dislodging mechanism while said roof jack anchors the forward port-ion of said frame on said mining machines, two clutches one associated with each of said shafts, and means for controlling said clutches to connect said source of power to either or both of said mining machines.

33. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of a cylindrical bearing on the forward portion thereof, a large spur gear mounted to rotate on said bearing, dislodging mechanism connected to said gear to move bodily therewith and comprising a claw finger adapted to penetrate deeply the solid coal face and by wedging action rip and tear large pieces of coal over a wide area from the mine vein, and means for operating said dislodging mechanism by rotating said gear on said bearing to feed said claw finger arcuately relatively to said frame while the latter remains stationary, to give said claw finger repeated arcuate continuous sweeping movements across the working face to each time cause said finger to deeply penetrate the solid coal and split large pieces thereof from the unmined mass.

34. In a mining machine, the combination with a supporting frame, of arc-wall dislodging mechanism comprising spaced-apart claw-like fingers each elongated with receding wedging surfaces, one finger at the floor,

one at the roof and the third intermediate the floor and roof with the spaces between the fingers entirely free and unobstructed to permit deep penetration thereof into the solid upright coal face, means comprising spur gearing for operating said dislodging mechanism including continuous sweeping feeding movements of said fingers along the coal face to cause said fingers to penetrate deeply. the solid coal face and strip coal therefrom in large pieces over a wide area above the mine floor adjacent and between said fingers, and rope gearing for restoring said fingers to initial position. 7

35. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a roof jack mechanism on the forward portion of said frame, of a supplemental frame mounted for arcuate movement on an upright axis relatively to said main frame, dislodging mechanism movable bodily with said supplemental frame and comprising claw-like digging mechanism adapted to penetrate the solid coal face of a mine vein and strip coal therefrom in large pieces, self-acting very powerful transmission gearing comprising a'large spur gear rigidly connected to said supplemental frame to exert greatpressure on said dig ing mechanism to force the same continuously forward along the coal face while being held for feeding movement along predeterminedpaths by said roof jack, and means for controlling such transmission gearing.

36. In a mining machine, the combination with a main frame, of a hydraulic roof jack comprising a cylinder and a roof-engaging shoe, a supplemental frame journaled on said cylinder to rotate on the upright axis thereof, claw-like dislodging mechanism mounted on said supplemental frame for bodily arcuate movement therewith, and means comprising a spur gear rigid with said dislodging mechanism for partially rotating said supplemental frame to feed said dislodging mechanism.

37. The combination with superposed min ing mechanisms each comprising dislodging means and power transmission gearing, of a connection between said mining mechanisms, a motor connected to one of said mining mechanisms, and controlling means for effecting the operation of either or both of said mining mechanisms.

38. The combination with superposed mining machines each comprising dislodging means and power transmission gearing, of a source of power, interconnected driving shafts on said mining machines, two clutches one associated with each of said shafts, and means for controlling said clutches to connect said source of power to either or both of said miningmachines.

The combination with a plurality of superposed mining machines each comprising a vertical driving shaft, a. universal joint coupling merhanismfor connecting the said vertical shafts, motor mechanism for driving said vertical shafts simultaneously, and clutch mechanism associated with said shafts on each mining machine for effecting the operation of either or both of said mining machines.

40. The method of mining coal without preparatory cutting which consists in digging into the solid face of the mine vein at spacedapart points and ripping and tearing the coal in large pieces from such face to a substantial depth over a wide area of such coal face and extending to a predetermined height, and performing a similar stripping operation along the superposed coal face.

41. In mining apparatus, the combination with a mining machine comprising mechanism'for stripping a layer of coal from the solid face of an uprigl'it mine wall, of another mining machine of like character, and means for-superposing said mining machines to cooperate with each other in stripping the coal at a higher elevation in continuation of thestrippingof the coal by the machine at the lower elevation.

42. In miningand loading apparatus, the

combination with a supporting frame, of a .oonveyer telescoped over the sides and'forward end portion of said supporting frame and having freedom of movement up. and'down at :its sides and forward end portion relatively to said supporting frame to adapt it to rest on the mine floor while said supporting frame rests thereon, and means for opeating said conveyor to transfer toward loading position dislodged material received thereby.

% ported-at its rear portion on said frame and having its forward side portions and its forward end portion fitting around the forward "portion of said frame to adapt such forward portions of said conveyor to rest on and slide over the mine floor and move up and down relatively to said supporting frame for support on the floor independently of said main frame, and means for operating said conveyor to transfer toward loading position the material dislodged by said mining machine.

$4. In mining'and loading apparatus, the

combination with av supporting frame adapted to rest on and slideover .a mine floor, of a conveyor mounted on said supporting frame to extend around the sides and forward portion thereof and having its forward end adapted to rest on and shde over the mine floor while free for up and down sliding movements relatively to the sides and for portion of said conveyor will besupported by the floor independently, and means for operating said conveyor to transfer toward loading position dislodged material received thereby. V

45. In loading apparatus, the combination with a main frame, of a detachable conveyor mounted thereon, mining mechanism mounted on said frame and comprising an operating motor, and connections for superposing a like machine with 'the conveyer detached therefrom. I

i6. 111 loading 'apparatus, thc'comhination with a supporting frame, of a conveyor mounted thereon and extending around the forward end thereof, said conveyor having a sliding up and down movement relatively to said frame to enable said conveyor to rest on the floor independently of said frame, a rear loading conveyor having a hopper pivoted to the rear end of said frame in position to remain in delivery communication with said first-named conveyor, and means-for operating both of said conveyors.

47. In mining and loading'apparatus, the combination with a supporting frame, of mining mechanism thereon, a-conveyer telescoping over said supporting frame and-having freedom of movement up and down at Its forward portion relatively to said supporting frame in position to-receive material dislodged by said mining mechanisnrand to adapt said conveyer to rest on the mine floor while said supporting frame reststhereon and independently of the latter, and means for operating said conveyer to transfer toward loading position. the materialdislodged by said mining mechanism.

Signed at WVashington, D; this 1st day of July, 1921. r V EDMUND (l. MORGAN. 

